Jim Harbaugh is a hard man to impress.

Almost uncomplimentary to a fault, Harbaugh isn’t one for public praising. But after Saturday’s blowout win against Rutgers, the Michigan coach couldn’t help but gush about do-it-all freshman Jabrill Peppers.

Maybe Harbaugh couldn’t believe the fact that for the second straight week, Michigan’s stud safety scored an offensive touchdown. And the play that Peppers scored on — a swing pass that was ruled a run — was one that Harbaugh said he thought would go for a loss. Instead, Peppers made a slew of Rutgers defenders miss and he high-stepped into the end zone.

Harbaugh told Peppers how impressed he was.

Also impressive was the fact that Peppers racked up six tackles, one of which was for a loss. He was part of a secondary that allowed just 97 Rutgers passing yards.

For once, Peppers didn’t make his impact felt on special teams. He didn’t have a punt return all day despite the fact that he helped the Wolverines force three-and-outs all afternoon. Wisely, he was avoided.

It’s worth noting that Peppers didn’t play as much on special teams because he suffered a contusion on a collision with Jeremy Clark on Friday. He got treatment for it, but he wasn’t on the field for 95 plays like he was last week against Minnesota.

Harbaugh is apparently doing what he can NOT to keep Peppers on the field.

That’ll be easier said than done.